SALT LAKE CITY - Those working or recreating along the Green River below Utah’s Flaming Gorge Dam and the Colorado River below Arizona’s Glen Canyon Dam should exercise increased caution as fluctuations in hydropower generation may cause rapid changes in water releases. The Bureau of Reclamation is responding to unusually high energy demand amid excessive summer heat across the western United States. Unscheduled water release fluctuations will occur without warning. Be careful along the river and watch for sudden changes in flow and depth.
Reclamation increased hydropower generation at Glen Canyon Dam on Friday evening, Aug. 14, in response to California’s electrical emergency. The Western Area Power Administration again called on Glen Canyon Dam to increase generation on Saturday, August 15 to help stabilize the western electrical grid. As the current heat wave continues, Glen Canyon and Flaming Gorge Dams will continue to respond to grid operator calls for additional hydropower to augment supply deficiencies.
Hydropower dams like Glen Canyon and Flaming Gorge are unique in their ability to respond almost immediately to electrical system emergencies and swings in demand. They are crucial parts of the interconnected electrical system in the western United States.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
